Illegal extraction of silica sand from the Barachhara quarry area in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar has been continuing despite a High Court stay order, sparking fears of environmental damage and threats to critical infrastructure.
Local residents said an organised syndicate led by one Rajib Uddin, son of a local union parishad member, has long been extracting truckloads of sand at night from Barachhara and nearby Deochhara, Bobachhara and Ghagrachhara sand quarries without any government lease. Each truckload is reportedly being sold for Tk 17,000-18,000.
The continuous sand extraction caused soil erosion beneath pillars of three bridges, leaving those structurally vulnerable, while also causing damage to a sluice gate that is crucial for Boro cultivation, they alleged.
They feared that the bridges, which connect to the Sylhet-Dhaka railway line and the Sylhet-Brahmanbaria road, might collapse if sand extraction continues during the monsoon.
Abdul Karim, a local resident, “Large trucks carrying sand pass through almost every night, leaving the local roads damaged while causing noise pollution.”
Shahina Begum, a retired school teacher, urged authorities concerned to intervene and stop the illegal sand extraction.
Shah Shaheda Akter, coordinator of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA) in Sylhet division, said the HC earlier stayed the leasing of 19 silica sand quarries in Moulvibazar, including Barachhara, following a writ petition filed by BELA, and also directed that no extraction could take place without proper environmental clearance and impact assessments.
Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon member Saleh Sohel warned that continued extraction could cause damage to environment and public infrastructure, and endanger human life.
A memorandum signed by hundreds of local residents was submitted to the Kulaura Upazila Nirbahi Officer on Thursday, said Abdul Muksid Chowdhury, organiser of the movement.
Contacted, Rajib denied the allegation and claimed he was being targeted by vested groups.
Baramchal union parishad chairman Khorshed Ahmed Khan Sweet acknowledged the illegal sand extraction and said the matter has already been reported to the administration.
Md Anisul Islam, assistant commissioner (land) in the upazila, said the administration had received complaints and would conduct drives.
Residents of Baramchal union in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar formed a human chain on May 24 demanding that the ban on silica sand extraction from the Barachhara quarry remain in force. The programme was held on the premises of Baramchal High School and College.